So much more than climbing mountains

What is known as one of the Garden Route's most gruelling trail-running challenges became a mission of heart and purpose for local athlete Zonika van As, who completed the George Six Peaks Fastest Known Time (FKT) challenge on Sunday 15 June, not just for personal achievement, but to help build a better future for the young children in Pacaltsdorp.

- Kristy Kolberg

Van As teamed up with local non-profit organisation Empower and its founder, David May, and ran the challenge as part of a fundraising campaign to build a second classroom for Melo's Marshmelos Crèche.

The crèche is run by dedicated teacher Melonique Morris, who currently educates more than 45 children under a basic roof with limited resources.

"I did it for Melonique, a woman who dares to build hope, one child at a time," says Van As. "We're raising funds to help her create a proper learning space so her children can grow, learn and dream in safety."